How can I get Sky Map?

Where is Sky Map be available?

Sky Map can be downloaded from the Google Play in countries where an Android-powered
device is available.

Is the app available only in English?

The app is currently available in over a dozen languages.

Does the app work on all Android-powered devices?

Yes, the device will work on all Android-powered devices running Android 1.5 or higher.
If a device is released that does not have a compass functionality, the app will work
only in manual mode.

How does Sky Map work?

The app uses Android-powered devices' built-in compass, GPS, and clock to display an
annotated Sky Map of the area it is facing. The map will adjust as the user moves the
device. If a device is released that does not have a compass, the app will work only in
manual mode.

What can I do with Sky Map?

Sky Map enables users to identify stars and planets by pointing their devices towards
these objects in the sky. Sky Map automatically adjusts to identify on the device's
screen the objects it is facing. Users can zoom in and out, and switch various layers
such as constellations, planets, grids, and deep sky objects, on and off, choosing to
make these elements visible or not. Users can also determine the locations of planets
and stars relative to their own current locations with the search function. Inputting
the name of a planet or star will direct users towards this object. A user may also
explore the cosmos manually and move through the sky by touching the screen instead of
having it adjust automatically.

Does Sky Map use the device's camera to determine what you see on the screen?

No, Sky Map does not make use of the camera.

Does Sky Map work during the daytime?

Yes, the app works at all times and does not require stars to be visible.

How many planets are visible in Sky Map? How many stars?

Over one thousand stars and all of the planets in our solar system are searchable and
visible in the app. Users can also view and search for constellations and individual
stars.

Is this Google Sky for Android? How is it different?

Sky Map is not Google Sky for Android. These are two different applications with
different functionalities.

Can I use Sky Map to help orient myself by searching for Polaris (the North Star)?

Yes, with the Search tool, users can input the names of planets and stars and they will
be guided to the current locations of these objects. A user could search for Polaris
and orient themselves according to the current location of the North star.

Is it possible to search for constellations named after astrological signs (Aquarius,
Capricorn, etc)?

Yes, with the Search tool, users can input the names of constellations and they will be
guided to the current location of these objects.

Troubleshooting

The app stops tracking the stars.

It's possible your phone is in Manual mode. When you tap the screen, a button appears
in the bottom right corner. This button will toggle between Automatic and Manual mode.
Tap the button until you see the message "Switching to automatic mode." At
that point, the application should perform normally.

I've uninstalled the app but Google Play still thinks its installed.

This is a bug in Google Playplace. You must clear Google Play app's cache, to fix it.

To clear the cache, do the following:

Go to Settings -> Applications -> Manage
applications

Select Google Play. If you don't see Google Play app, see below.

Select Clear cache.

At this point, you should be able to re-load the app

From the menu in the Manage applications screen, select Filter.

Select All from the filter options list.

If you don't see Google Play app in the list of apps, do the following:

From the menu in the Manage applications screen, select Filter.

Select Downloaded from the filter options list.

How do I move the app to the SD card?

You can only move to SD card if you have Android 2.2 installed.

If you do, you can do it via the Settings menu. Go to: Settings -> Application ->
Manage applications -> Google Sky Map. The button labeled "Move to SD Card" will
move the app to the SD card.

The application fails to install on Android 2.2.

We have seen a problem with SD cards on Android 2.2. You should be able to install the
app if you remove your SD card first. Once the app is installed, you should be able to
re-insert the SD card and then move the app to it.